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Protection Against Decay

B

Bootleg

Silver Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2010
Messages
333
On a existing 10 Unit Condo Building.Under the 2009 IBC what type of wood is required for the rebuild of the exterior (lower) deck?The proposed rebuild of the (lower) deck is with a Versa Lam beam and Douglas Fir post.

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FRT, Type IV construction or sprinkler

1406.3 Balconies and similar projections.

Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction other than fire-retardant-treated wood shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of Type IV construction in accordance with Section 602.4. The aggregate length shall not exceed 50 percent of the buildings perimeter on each floor.

Exceptions:

1. On buildings of Type I and II construction, three stories or less above grade plane , fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits.

2. Untreated wood is permitted for pickets and rails or similar guardrail devices that are limited to 42 inches (1067 mm) in height.

3. Balconies and similar projections on buildings of Type III, IV and V construction shall be permitted to be of Type V construction, and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where sprinkler protection is extended to these areas.

4. Where sprinkler protection is extended to the balcony areas, the aggregate length of the balcony on each floor shall not be limited.
 
Fire retardant treated wood is not necessarily decay resistant. The use of preservative treated lumber, and I assume fire retardant treated lumber, can cause corrosion of fasteners and hardware.

Sometimes the best thing that you can do with an exterior deck is use decay resistant lumber and detail it to minimize the trapping of moisture.
 
Sometimes the best thing that you can do with an exterior deck is use decay resistant lumber and detail it to minimize the trapping of moisture.

Would flashing and covering the Versa Lam Beam to make it weather tight in the Pacific North West meet code?
 
2304.11.3 Laminated timbers.

The portions of glued-laminated timbers that form the structural supports of a building or other structure and are exposed to weather and not fully protected from moisture by a roof, eave or similar covering shall be pressure treated with preservative or be manufactured from naturally durable or preservative-treated wood .
 
The requirement of Section 2304.11.3 applies only to laminated timbers but does not apply to sawn lumber. The reality is that decay is equally a problem for sawn lumber.
 
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